Explore Lewandowski’s remarkable hat-trick that secured Barcelona a 3-0 triumph against Alavés in La Liga. Get insights and key moments from the match.
Introduction:
FC Barcelona responded well to their defeat in amazing fashion as they devastated Deportivo Alavés 3-0 at the Mendizorroza Stadium, and all the three goals came before half-time when Robert Lewandowski added to his score sheet, and that ensured Barça secured a 3-points gap back at La Liga summit above Real Madrid. The victory puts the Catalans highly placed ahead of the international break.
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Hat-Trick Blitz: Lewandowski
Barça were hardly of a mood to waste their time. Raphinha had already witnessed the end of a goal disallowed for being offside within the opening five minutes, and then proceeded to deliver a perfect free kick moments later. Lewandowski, in characteristic fashion, rose over the Alavés defense to confidently head home and give Barça the lead.
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Raphinha, again the architect from the 22nd minute as a brilliant run down the left wing culminated into the perfectly weighted cross which Lewandowski met to double the score. The perfection of his movement and in its utmost brilliance have taken him behind the net with the ball going into his power play in its shot.
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As though Alavés were finally finding their bearings, Barça scored once more; this time, it was through a beauty of a through ball by Eric García, in as a first-half substitute for the injured Ferran Torres, to Lewandowski, who made it three goals with a completed hat-trick. With an hour of football still left to play Lewandowski had already ensured that the game was won for Barça, knocking his goal tally for the season into double figures.
Alavés fought back, but that was as close as they got.
Despite the scoresheet, Alavés showed fight and tried to get back into the game. In fact, Toni Martínez was giving Barça’s defense a lot of problems, scoring against them in the process, but the goal was offside. He later hit the post, and Iñaki Peña was called upon to stay alert as Alavés continued to push forward for a goal.
Alavés did enough to make Barça work hard enough, but the home side could not really take advantage of their opportunities due to a mix of bad finishing and some impressive defensive play from the visitors. As such, Alavés couldn’t find the breaks they needed even with their best effort. Increasingly, the game began to feel like a lost cause for Alavés.
Barça Take Firm Control of the Game
Having gone on to command the game with their dazzling first-half show, Barça would’ve clearly liked nothing better than to see out the game and run out winners by the full time. Yet things improved for them, as youngster Ansu Fati replaced the injured Busquets. Back from injury, Fati made sure to try and make it a game to remember for himself, but was denied by the woodwork twice and some top-class goalkeeping from Antonio Sivera.
Despite much of the second half being a tame affair, the Barça outfit did not give up: they remained firmly in control of things and kept Alavés from making a comeback, heading for an emphatic win. Lewandowski’s hat-trick had created havoc long before the final whistle, and the remainder of the 60 minutes felt much more like a formality as Barcelona added three precious points to their tally without facing a threat at any stage.
Conclusion: A Perfect Response
After having been knocked down by Osasuna in the last game, a rampaging response from Lewandowski was what the Barcelona team wanted. His hat-trick sealed but only one of the most comprehensive victories but ensured that Barça went into the international break with all confidence restored and with considerable momentum.
This leaves Barcelona comfortable in their La Liga campaign, 3 points ahead of Real Madrid and top of the table. With Lewandowski in lethal form and the team performing consistently well, Barça looks fairly well-placed to carry this strong start into domestic football upon resumption.